The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) is warning homeowners looking to install pools and pool fencing to check their tradespeople are registered.
The warning follows reports of tradespeople building pool fences and installing pools without qualifications or appropriate registration.
The VBA’s Executive Director of Regulatory Operations David Brockman said consumers must check that the person they are hiring to install or check their fence and pool is registered to do so.
In Victoria, all swimming pools capable of holding more than 300 millimetres of water must have a compliant safety barrier to restrict access to the pool area by young children.
“In the last two decades, more than 20 young children have drowned in cases where a non-compliant safety barrier has been a factor. These are preventable tragedies,” Mr Brockman said.
“Making sure a registered building practitioner has installed your pool and pool fence is vital for the safety of family and others who use your pool.”
In Victoria, the design, construction and installation of new swimming pools, spas and safety barriers are subject to strict requirements to maximise safety.
The requirements include being constructed by a builder registered in an appropriate category or class.
If you’re looking at installing a pool, you will need a building permit before works commence.
You may also need a planning permit or other permit. Check with your council about any relevant local laws or any exemptions that may apply.
The safety barriers must include self-latching and self-closing pool gates.
The standards indicate an outdoor pool or spa area must not be directly accessible via a building.
“Compliant safety barriers are extremely important. And never leave things like chairs or tables near safety barriers because young children can climb them and access the pool,” Mr Brockman warned.
“Everyone has a part to play in pool safety – anyone who owns a pool or spa must maintain safety barriers to prevent unsupervised access.”
Since November 2020, Victorians must register their pool or spa with their local council.
There are more than 1000 building inspectors and surveyors qualified to inspect and certify swimming pool and spa barriers across Victoria.
The VBA has created checklists that owners can use to see if their barriers meet the standards. Visit the VBA website for more information on pool and spa safety at vba.vic.gov.au
For more information about water safety check the KidSafe website at kidsafe.com.au/water-safety
